Photos: Preparations for Shakespeare in the park in Iowa City

For the 40th year of Shakespeare in the Park, Riverside Theatre presents a production of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ June 13-29

University of Iowa MFA graduate Chloe Cobb of Iowa City works on painting a set piece for the upcoming performance of “Romeo & Juliet,” put on by Riverside Theatre at the Festival River Stage in Lower City Park in Iowa City on Thursday. This is the 40th year of Shakespeare in the Park through Riverside Theatre and 25 years on the Festival River Stage. The show will run June 13-29. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

University of Iowa MFA graduate Chloe Cobb of Iowa City works on painting a set piece for the upcoming performance of “Romeo & Juliet” put on by Riverside Theatre at the Festival River Stage in Lower City Park in Iowa City on Thursday. The show will run June 13-29, and all performances are free. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

University of Iowa MFA graduate Chloe Cobb of Iowa City, middle, works on painting an archway while University of Iowa graduate student CJ Johnson nails down wood pieces for the upcoming Riverside Theatre production of “Romeo & Juliet” at the Festival River Stage in Lower City Park in Iowa City on Thursday. The show will run June 13-29. Tickets to the show are free. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)

University of Iowa MFA graduate Chloe Cobb of Iowa City works on painting a set piece for the upcoming “Romeo & Juliet” production put on by Riverside Theatre at the Festival River Stage in Lower City Park in Iowa City on Thursday. Romeo & Juliet premieres June 13 and runs through June 29. The show is free to attend. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)